10 Common Household Items You Should Probably Wash More Than You Think
Let’s be honest: when you’re busy, tired, or have a brain that saves its energy for survival-level tasks, cleaning schedules tend to fly out the window. And while most of us remember to do the dishes and maybe (eventually) the laundry, there are a few sneaky household items quietly gathering dust, germs, or mystery gunk—just waiting for their moment.
This isn’t about shame. This is about that fresh sheets feeling in more corners of your life. Small resets, gentle refreshes. Let's clean the stuff that doesn't look dirty, but feels better when it is.
10 Things You (Very Relatably) Might Not Be Washing Enough
1. Pillowcases
🕒 Wash: 1–2 times per week
You sleep on them. You drool on them. You smush your face into them after a full day of life. Even if the rest of the bedding waits, swapping pillowcases more often is a low-effort, high-reward reset.
2. Reusable Water Bottles & Travel Mugs
Wash: Daily
Yes, even if it’s “just water.” Bacteria builds up fast in tight lids, straws, and rubber seals. Toss them in the dishwasher or give them a good scrub with hot, soapy water.
3. Phone Screen & Case
Clean: 2–3 times per week (or daily during flu season)
It touches your hands, face, countertops, and possibly the bottom of your bag. Use a microfiber cloth + gentle cleaner (or even a sanitizing wipe if your case allows) to give it a refresh.
4. Kitchen Sponges or Scrub Brushes
Replace or sanitize: Every week or two
They clean your dishes—but are also bacterial party zones. Microwave damp sponges for 1–2 minutes (watch closely!) or run them through the dishwasher. Still gross? Toss 'em.
5. Light Switches & Door Handles
Clean: Weekly
They’re high-touch but low-visibility, which means they collect grime and germs silently. A quick wipe with a disinfecting cloth once a week does the trick.
6. Bathroom Towels
Wash: Every 3–4 uses
They feel clean, but if they’re damp and hanging in a humid bathroom, they’re basically a spa for bacteria. If they start smelling… you’ve waited too long. (It’s okay.)
7. Remote Controls
Clean: Every couple of weeks (or monthly at least)
These sneaky grime magnets live in the couch cushions and get touched constantly—especially during snacky movie nights. A baby wipe or a cloth with a little rubbing alcohol works wonders.
8. Toothbrush Holders
Clean: Weekly
This one is sneaky gross. Water and toothpaste residue gather at the bottom and form… a little science experiment. Rinse it out with hot water and dish soap—or toss it in the dishwasher, if it's safe.
9. Makeup Brushes & Beauty Sponges
Wash: Weekly (or more often for liquid products)
They touch your skin daily—and hold on to oils, bacteria, and old product like it’s their job. A gentle cleanser and warm water go a long way (and your skin will thank you).
10. Reusable Grocery Bags
Wash: Every few uses
They carry produce, raw meat, and that one yogurt that leaked. Most cloth bags can go in the wash. Wipe down plastic-lined ones with soap and water. You’ll be amazed at how much better they smell.
🧽 Bonus: You Don’t Have to Clean Everything at Once
You’re not behind—you’re just human. Pick one of these items to wash today, and that’s more than enough. These are the things that don’t scream “dirty,” but low-key make your space feel lighter when they’re freshened up.
Start small. Maybe clean your phone. Swap your pillowcase. Wipe your light switches with a paper towel and dish soap if that’s what you’ve got.
You don’t need a reset button—just a few quiet refreshes.
